Replaced a seized helicoid with a 3D printed one and it actually held up

My old 55mm macro lens had a helicoid that was totally frozen solid, way beyond what any solvent could fix. I was torn between paying 220 bucks for a used factory replacement or trying a printed nylon one from a guy on Etsy. I went with the printed part since the lens is just for my desk at this point, and after 200+ focus turns it's still smooth and solid. Has anyone else tried non-metal parts for budget repairs, or am I just asking for trouble down the road?

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gracewebb19d ago

200+ focus turns" is solid proof that print can hang with metal.